NorCal Kayak Anglers

General => General Talk => Topic started by: Fish 'n Brew on October 10, 2012, 03:52:57 PM

Title: The Crab Hawk
Post by: Fish 'n Brew on October 10, 2012, 03:52:57 PM
At the recent Loose Screws Board Meeting, there was a discussion about the legality of the Crab Hawk in California.  I won one at the Doran Crabbing event last year and have used it a couple of times.  I pulled the following off of the web regarding this device:

The Crab Hawk traps are indeed traps and are not legal as sold because California state law requires traps to possess escape rings.

According to Department of Fish and Game (DFG) Lt. Dennis McKiver, crab traps are required to have at least two rigid circular openings of not less than four and one-quarter inches inside diameter so constructed that the lowest portion of each opening is no lower than five inches from the top of the trap (California Code of Regulations Title 14, section 29.80(c)).

Traps that are not specifically provided for in this section may not be used for crabs or other invertebrates. The Crab Hawk trap is not specifically provided for, nor does it meet standards for crab traps in California, so it is not legal to use in the state.

Anybody want to buy a Crab Hawk?
Title: Re: The Crab Hawk
Post by: MontanaN8V on October 10, 2012, 03:55:36 PM
Donate it at the next Pay it forward raffle!  :smt044
Title: Re: The Crab Hawk
Post by: Weimarian on October 10, 2012, 03:56:49 PM
Ya, I bought 2 of them for last year... still not sure if they are not legal... The old pyramid flop open traps we used when I was a kid were legal... Same basic Idea...
Title: Re: The Crab Hawk
Post by: EWB on October 10, 2012, 04:53:48 PM
is it legal to catch crab hook and line?
Title: The Crab Hawk
Post by: Fish 'n Brew on October 10, 2012, 05:00:41 PM
When I fished Doran a couple of weeks ago, I managed to get 2 pretty good size Dungies on my hand-poured swim baits with Pro-Cure salt water gel.  I released them since the season is closed.  I would think they would be legal catch if the season was open.  The swim baits were shredded!


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Title: Re: The Crab Hawk
Post by: EWB on October 10, 2012, 05:08:48 PM
When I fished Doran a couple of weeks ago, I managed to get 2 pretty good size Dungies on my hand-poured swim baits with Pro-Cure salt water gel.  I released them since the season is closed.  I would think they would be legal catch if the season was open.  The swim baits were shredded!


Sent from Martin's iPad using Tapatalk

I am wondering if the crab hawk is a lure vs a trap since the "angler" is staying connected at all times?
Title: Re: The Crab Hawk
Post by: rockfish on October 10, 2012, 05:39:15 PM
I dont think it meets the definition of trap, as it is the action of the angler alone that closes it.  There is no box or other means for crabs to become trapped without pulling the line...    not like a traditional trap that will kill crabs in it if abandoned... 2c.

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Title: Re: The Crab Hawk
Post by: mickfish on October 10, 2012, 05:57:13 PM
They were discussed on Carrie Wilson's column and they are not legal either is hook and line.
Title: The Crab Hawk
Post by: Jeffo on October 10, 2012, 06:00:58 PM
I'm almost certain hook and line is ILLEGAL.
Title: Re: The Crab Hawk
Post by: G-Whiz on October 10, 2012, 06:32:34 PM
Question: Is the Crab Hawk legal for use in California during open crabbing season? The ads say it is not a trap, and because it opens, crabs would not be damaged should they need to be released. Please clarify this for me and cite the appropriate section in the event you determine it is illegal. (Dennis J.)

Answer: The Crab Hawk traps are indeed traps and are not legal as sold because California state law requires traps to possess escape rings. According to Department of Fish and Game Lt. Dennis McKiver, crab traps are required to have at least two rigid circular openings of not less than four and one-quarter inches inside diameter so constructed that the lowest portion of each opening is no lower than five inches from the top of the trap (California Code of Regulations Title 14, section 29.80(c)).

Traps that are not specifically provided for in this section may not be used for crabs or other invertebrates. The Crab Hawk trap is not specifically provided for, nor does it meet standards for crab traps in California, so it is not legal to use in the state.




Title: Re: The Crab Hawk
Post by: bloodbath on October 10, 2012, 07:30:12 PM
I'll buy the crab hawk from you. They work great! PM sent
Title: Re: The Crab Hawk
Post by: EWB on October 10, 2012, 07:36:34 PM
If I recall escape rings on some traps are tied with cotton twine so they can rot away and not continue to fish if abandoned. I wonder if you could figure out z way to use the same type of line for a hawk so if lost it won't keep fishing
Title: Re: The Crab Hawk
Post by: Paddleboy84 on October 11, 2012, 04:45:05 PM
Just talked to Jim the Owner of Crabhawk. He is working with DFG to make provision for the Crab Hawk, however the way it is worded at this point, it is illegal. On the flip side of that he said he has never once had a customer ticketed for using one.

It's to fine of a line for me to walk. I will not be selling them at my store this crab season.
Title: Re: The Crab Hawk
Post by: Weimarian on October 11, 2012, 05:03:29 PM
Mine will be on the shelf too. Didn't work all that well anyway while drifting around... Product fail IMHO for Kayak use. Bank fishing, you betcha